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Went to Neurologist, why don't they listen?

Waited for months to see a neurologist, thought I would finally get answers. Boy , what a dissapointment. He did not seem to be concerned with my chronic pain for 6 months in lower back, thigh, lower leg and foot. He performed a quick exam, jammed a rod in my foot and when I screamed he said it was only my nail. (No it was that metal bar with a point on it.) He clamined he could not read the MRI disc clearly because it was done on an open MRI . However he wants me to get an MRI on my neck, he said that is where I have a problem . I told him my pain is in my lower back and entire leg. He disregarded what I said and said let the pain clinic take care of your leg. If he read my information he would see that I have had injections and they are not working.He seemed more interested in my right arm weakness. I told hm I have carpel tunnel and a shoulder probelm. No he said you have a neck problem. Told me to get fitted for a collar , said to come back in a few months and never told when to wear it and walked out. He also made some un proffesional remarks about another Dr I have seen, all though I agreed with him I thought it was in very bad taste. I left the exam room in tears, dragging my leg behind me and found the closet bathroom to have a good cry.I ended up paging the resident that was with the Dr. , I asked him how can I walk in with pain in my back , ass and leg and you send me out saying I have a pain in the neck. Also if you cannot read my MRI of my lower lumbar clearly why would you not send me for another , no you want one of my neck. He stated that's what the Dr.s wants. I was so furious I hung up on himI am in worse pain today from him twisting my leg and pressing in my back. More pain , no answers and severly depressed that you wait so long to get an appointment and they don't listen , or explain things. Where does one go? How do you get them to listen. My primary understands , he is wonderful, he also know it takes a lot for meto complain about pain or to even go to a Dr. Other then my primary I have lost a lot or respect for Dr's. anyone else feel this way.Karenl

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Comments

I'm sorry you had to go through that. Do get your Dr. to refer you to a Neurosurgeon. Keep getting referrals from your Primary. You'll find someone who will listen to you. It took the 3rd opinion to listen to me although there is nothing they can do for me right now. I swear by the infrared platinum heating pad soothes my leg and back. Take care and don't give up. Charry

Thanks it is comforting to know that your not alone. It is so frustating , the pain is real it takes every thing out of you . My appt was yesterday afternoon and I still have not been able to stop crying. I don't know how people last for years with this . I was not able to owrk today , other then the pain my eyes are so swollen from all the crying. I am going tohave to stop working but that soon will end my body can't take it much more. My primary has told me several times to stop but he knows I am stubborn. However I think it's coming close to through the towel in. I have an appt with a neuro surgeon Nov 20, soooooo far away, by then I figure 8 months of my life has been wasted. Maybe there is nothing they can do , I dont know but if they would only tell me whats wrong and what can I expect. At least I would have something, all I have is alot of pain and so many un answered questions. thanks for listening Karenl

Nobody can understand about back pain truly unless they have it. I do sympathize with you. There are those doctors that get insulted when you question them. I would suggest that if your insurance covers it get the other MRI and have him explain why he wanted it. And let him show you what is what. If he can't and becomes annoyed I think you may have to get a second opinion (if you know what I mean). Be stubborn with them. Please don't give up.

I really do sympathize with your problems. I've been going through almost the same thing. I know how you feel after being so sure you'd get some answers and at least a treatment plan. I felt like that after my last lumbar mri and when they called and said it was normal,except for tarlov cysts and they don't cause pain (they say), I actually cried too. I know it sounds crazy to want them to tell you something showed up. I think everyone here understands how that can feel.Good luck with the NS.Debbie

Argh! How frustrating! I do agree with the other poster that if your insurance will cover it, I would get the neck MRI just to rule out problems there, also. I know you are looking for answers to your back issues, but sometimes when one pain is so intense, it can make you ignore other things.

I would think you need a board certified spine orthopaedic surgeon or neurosurgeon to consult. A spine specialist, not a neurologist and certainly not someone with no bedside manner. You might try calling and asking if the neurosurgeon has any cancellations, it can happen.

I know it's hard, but please try not to focus on thinking that 8 months of your life has been wasted. Try to think of it as time that you have done conservative treatment and had injections, which is something many insurance companies require before considering any further treatments. Your GP is on your side and YOU are taking control by seeking other medical opinions and seeking emotional support here.

I'm sorry you had such a lousy experience. I know how frustrating it is to really look forward to having an informative appointment and then something like this happens.

I don't understand why so many people are sent to neurologists when they have spine and back issues. Most need to consult with a fellowship-trained spinal specialist (if in US). This can be either an orthopedic spinal surgeon or a neurosurgeon who devotes most or all his practice to issue of the spine, neck and back. Neurologists deal with diseases of the nerves but do not have specialized training in diagnosing back and neck issues. They have their place -- they are good if you need testing pertaining to nerves. Otherwise, they are more or less a waste of time and money, IMHO. @) Also, aside from one very charming Brit that had kids in the same class as ours, most neurologists don't have much personality, or what they do have is odd. At least that's my experience and what the charming Brit told me!!

Don't give up just because this guy was a jerk. I consulted with eight different spinal specialists and there was only one that I would not have gone back to. I've had good luck with my orthopedic spinal surgeons (I have two -- long story). But again, it is somewhat a matter of luck. Some docs run "spine factories" and it is hard to tell that prior to meeting them the first time.

About all you can do is ask around and try to get some recommendations from others who have been treated by the docs. Or, go one time and give 'em a try...and keep looking if it doesn't work out. I guess I've been lucky in that my insurance hasn't required a referral and I only ran into one specialist who required a referral from my PCP.

You can always make several appointments with different docs and then cancel them if the first doc works out and you end up liking him/her. That way, you won't have to wait soooo long to get in.

It wouldn't hurt to get the cervical MRI. Then you'll have it to show to the new doctor. Sometimes if you have overly-active knee reflexes, it can be a sign of a cervical problem...so sometimes the doc will order cervical films just to rule out other problems.

you have good and bad doctors.I think the normal progression in diagnosing a spinal situation is:

1- See your Primary care doctor. They will do a clinical exam to see if there is anything that just stands out.2- Your PCP then may prescribe some Physical Therapy sessions and perhaps mild pain medications and a muscle relaxer.3- If doing the above does not make any changes, the next step would be to see someone who specializes in spinal problems.4- Again after some routine exams, a MRI or other diagnostic tests should be ordered.

After all of this, doctors should have a pretty good idea of whats going on with you.

Part of dealing with all of this is also making a stand for yourself. If your doctor did not want to read your Open MRI report, ask hin WHY?

Now as the others have said here, IF your current Neurologist is just not working with you, then its your job to seek another opinion.

Stand up for your rights, be firm, but be professional and polite. If after you do all of this, then I would chalk it up as a bad doctor.

Ron DiLauro Veritas-Health Forums Manager I am not a medical professional. I comment on personal experiences